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Hi friends, I know I’ve been absent. I will try to be better with the season change. Somehow I feel more creative in the cooler months, does that ever happen to you? Thanks for your patience and I’m so happy you’re here. I miss you guys when I’m not around.
September is California Wine Month. {Who knew?!} One of the jewels in the crown of this state is the various vineyards dotted along the coastal regions of California. The Napa Valley is certainly the most well known, but on its heels are Paso Robles, Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez Valley. I’m sure there are many more that I’ve simply not visited or heard about.
Since I have been known to enjoy a glass of good Chardonnay {Rombauer is an expensive favorite} now and again {almost every evening} 😉 I thought I’d share with you one of my favorite vineyards and some of the homes in the Napa Valley region.
I’ll start with my favorite vineyard, Newton. This winery was made known to me about 7 years ago when the business partners I work for planned their annual retreat to the Napa Valley. Their trip included the 3 partners and their wives. One of the wives organized the itinerary and I noted with interest that I had never heard of Newton. We journeyed to the wine country shortly after this discovery and included a reservation for a tour.
The tour, limited to 12, is a relaxing and informative walk around the grounds—ending with a tasting that includes samples of, not only their wines, but small bites of various foods that would enhance each wine. All were served, and wines were considered, at this table in this room with a view that goes forever.
The British phone booth is one of the first things you see upon entering the grounds at Newton…
In addition to the Zen garden on the grounds…
…there’s this…
This (below) was our first visit one rainy day in February {before the California drought}
Mr. B. and I are the couple on the left…our dear, brave friends joined us. Newton provided the umbrellas.
If you’d like to know more of the fascinating story about Newton visit HERE
The Napa Valley region is one that enjoys vistas of rolling hills, many dotted with vineyards.
Some time ago we attended the wedding of the son of some good friends. The reception was held at Beaulieu Gardens in St. Helena, a beautiful little town north of Napa. It was a memorable event not only due to the celebration and marriage of these two lovely young people, but the setting…
{via}
There are some lovely homes in the area and, as expected, many of them are estates with price tags to match. I want to share a few of homes I found on Zillow, in case you’re ready to pack up and move to this slice of paradise. 🙂 All 3 of the homes below are near, or well over the $1,000,000 mark. Crazy, right? But it is a pretty amazing zip code.
This cute little home is located in one of my favorite smallish towns in the region, St. Helena.
I like the shutters on this beauty. The olive tree and architecture gives this property a French vibe, don’t you think?
The gray house appealed to me because it looks to be set in a wooded area, something I find so peaceful.
To end my nod to “Wine Month – California” I also want to share some of the rooms designed by a favorite interior/exterior designer in Napa—Barbara Colvin.
Enjoy the beauty this talented designer creates…
Have you ever visited Napa Valley?
Happy Birthday to my lovely California daughter-in-law, Sarah. We’ll toast your birthday with your favorite wine in the coming week!
Garden, Home & Party 
Anita Rivera said:
GOod morning Karen! I love Napa; we were there a few years ago, and it reminded me of portions of France. Napa has so much to offer in beauty, and these gardens you share are simply peaceful.
Like you, I’ve been absent on Instagram and even on my blog since school officially started on Monday, but once I get back into the groove of my schedule, I hope to be back, taking photos.
Enjoy your day! Anita
Karen B. said:
Good morning Anita. Even in the rain the valley was stunning, much like parts of France and Italy. Thank you for taking time out of your morning to comment. I know when I start up a work-routine it always takes me a few weeks to get back into the grove. I’m looking forward to more of your photographs and the occasional post to your blog. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 2:10 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Taylor Greenwalt said:
I haven’t been to Napa in years and would like to visit again…Barbara’s work is wonderful…I love that barn door!
Karen B. said:
Hi Julie, Barbara Colvin’s work has always drawn me in, in part because it feels like the best of California’s style. I know that image of the barn doors has been around awhile, but I couldn’t resist! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 6:01 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Hi Karen! It’s been several years since we’ve visited Napa Valley and it’s on our radar .. we are trying to schedule a visit there. I grew up in S. CA and my brother is a wine maker and I miss visiting these areas since moving to WA state (although our wines are coming along nicely!) I like the relaxed vibe of these homes ~ love those barn doors!! Thanks so much for sharing:) and I hope you have something fun planned for your day.
Karen B. said:
Hi Leslie, Wow, to have a winemaker in the family would be really fun, and I’m sure informative. I understand there are some wonderful vineyards in WA state as well. Have a great rest of your week and upcoming weekend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 8:06 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Leslie @Pretty Petals said:
Karen, Thanks for visiting me today;) I hope you are enjoying your week. xxL
Karen B. said:
It’s been a very relaxed and fun-filled week with family. Today is back to work day. 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 9, 2015 at 9:48 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Vicki said:
Hi Karen- This brought back memories of a friend’s beautiful sunset wedding at a vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. It was the prettiest place- I definitely need to visit some of the other regions you mentioned. Love Barbara Colvin’s work. It feels very inspired by her surroundings and very restful. Have a wonderful week!
Karen B. said:
Hi Vicki, You stated that so well…Barbara Colvin’s work does seem inspired by her surroundings. Maybe that’s what I love about it, it feels like home (home being California). 🙂 Thank you. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 10:12 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Dawn said:
Oh, Karen! It’s easy to see why Newton is your favorite vineyard! The whole area is just lovely. A castle would fit right into those grounds! I love the home with the shutters, soft colors, and olive tree. It really does have a French feel! We are both looking forward to cooler days! Enjoy your holiday weekend, Karen! ♡
Karen B. said:
Dawn, I think that home with the shutters was possibly fairly new construction, but either way it definitely seemed to have a French, or even Italian, feel to me. The Newton vineyard has such a great story having been started by a British man and his wife. The grounds could easily be home to someone in England. Thanks for stopping by, we’re enjoying a mini cool down before the continuing heat (usually through September here in So. Cal). But I’ll take cool weather whenever it decides to visit! 🙂 Enjoy your holiday weekend. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 10:39 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Linda Coble said:
Karen,
What a wonderful post! It brought back so many wonderful memories of the Wine Country and Newton Vineyard. Thanks to your recommendation, we had a fantastic visit there several years ago. Loved the homes as well. The blue shuttered one looked a lot like one that was featured in Country French a few years back. Ironically, it’s owned by one of the Rombauers!
Karen B. said:
Linda, The homes were all listed for sale on Zillow. I wonder if the Rombauer’s are moving? 🙂 xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 11:23 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Chronica Domus said:
Hello Karen,
My family and I adore the Napa Valley and visit it several times during the year. Our favorite town is St. Helena, followed closely by Sonoma.
The grounds of Newton look amazing (never visited) and will look out for the place on our next visit to St. Helena.
Oh, and I too find much inspiration from the cooler months. Summer is just too darn lazy for me, although a slow down sometimes is best.
Karen B. said:
CD, St. Helena is my favorite town up that way as well. Newton’s requires a reservation and you must get the instructions to find the location, they are placed so far off the main road and Newton’s comment to us was, “just ignore the No Trespassing signs!” 🙂 I do think, as a Brit you would enjoy their story and the tour. I agree with you, Mother Nature makes it hot so we’ll slow down and relax a bit during the warm months…problem is, I never slow down. xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 11:29 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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D'Arcy H said:
Hi Karen, Just yesterday I was wondering where you were! I have never been to Napa, but I’d love to go. I always thought it would be fun to do a bike tour (although I’d have to go to tastings with dreaded helmet hair!). I like that large-format landscape in the Colvin bedroom. And the Newton parterre garden is amazing! Better than Versailles, even in the mist! –D’Arcy
debra @ 5th and state said:
hello dear karen, your photo could be my husband and i from a distance!
anyways, can i tell you how jealous i am?!? to have such beauty so nearby is hard to conceive. wine, visual beauty and nature beats it all
glad you too are back
xoxo
debra
Karen B. said:
Hi Debra, Thank you for stopping by. The wine country is a special getaway to be sure. So many pretty places to see in the world and so little time! xo, Karen
On Wed, Sep 2, 2015 at 9:29 PM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Loi Thai Tone on Tone said:
Welcome back, Karen! How did we get to September so fast? Sad to bid adieu to summer, but looking forward to much needed rain in the fall. It’s been such a dry summer in DC and Maine. Been a long time since I visited Napa. Hope to visit soon as I have family in California. Cheers, L
Karen B. said:
Hi Loi, We’re all so hopeful that the fall will bring some much needed rain. Your garden still looks wonderful from what you’ve posted. Mine is truly in a sad state, the city we live in wants us to stop watering the lawn. I can’t do that, but we’ve cut back and it makes me sad. I’m ready for cool weather and some nice rain. You would love Newton’s vineyard. Hope you visit sometime. xo, Karen
On Thu, Sep 3, 2015 at 11:35 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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cindy hattersley said:
Welcome back Karen. I need a trip to Napa right now!! I have not been to Newton. Love Barbara Colvin’s work!
Karen B. said:
Happy Labor Day weekend Cindy. You’re close enough you can head over once the crowds thin a bit—and when things slow down a little! 🙂 xo, Karen
On Sun, Sep 6, 2015 at 1:58 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Design Chic said:
We went to Napa years ago, but think we are needing another trip! Love Barbara’s work – so pretty…the kitchen is a favorite!! Happy weekend ~
Karen B. said:
It’s such a pretty setting, especially in the autumn. Have a wonderful weekend. xo, Karen
On Fri, Sep 11, 2015 at 6:00 AM, Garden, Home & Party wrote:
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Karena said:
Karen, I miss the California Wineries for sure; you would be amazed at how many great ones there are here in the Midwest!! It is still so green and lush here, we are fortunate!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Featuring India Hicks!
Karen B. said:
Karena,
I’ve heard there are some amazing vineyards in the East and Midwest. It’s nice to hear since I love the landscape surrounding most vineyards. Gently rolling hills and vines. So peaceful. I’ll have to check my favorite wine store for a Midwestern wine. You are so lucky to enjoy green and lush landscape. Parts of California are so parched and the fires are a nightly news item. I’m very eager for fall and perhaps the hope of rain.
xo,
Karen